Police Minister Chris Hipkins and Justice Minister Kiri Allan today unveiled a package of measures to help reduce the harm caused by gangs and make communities safer.
“Recent brazen gang activities have been totally unacceptable and our communities deserve better,” Chris Hipkins said.
“Police asked for legislative changes that will give them more tools to crack down on violent offending and other criminal activities. We have listened, and will introduce a package of changes that target this activity as an omnibus Amendment Bill as soon as possible.
“These are practical and targeted measures that will help the Police do their job to keep communities safe. We are interested in real solutions, not empty slogans.
“This work has been underway for some time and adds to the Government’s strong track record in combatting organised crime, gangs and drug use by providing Police and other enforcement agencies with more resources, support and targeted powers.
“These measures follow $562 million for law and order in this year’s Budget, work targeting and removing unlawful firearms off the streets, actually progressing firearm prohibition orders, and investment in 1800 more police and hundreds more officers focused on serious and organised crime.
‘We want to hit gangs and other offenders where it hurts – by taking their guns, cars and motorbikes and making it harder to launder money – while also responding to increasing incidents of intimidation and violence on our roads and streets and in our homes,” Chris Hipkins said.
There is also work underway across agencies to address the drivers of crime, including youth crime and ensure the problem is being tackled at both ends.
“We know people don’t become gang members overnight, and that the causes are complex and often inter-generational,” Kiri Allan said.
“The changes we are introducing today are targeted interventions that will give New Zealanders confidence that Police have the required powers to tackle gang behaviours that make people feel unsafe, and that they are proportionate.
“We will continue to ensure we are upping the ante on intervention and prevention measures that are focused on steering young people away from a life with organised criminal groups.
“I will be looking closely at the youth justice system in particular to see how we can make changes that will improve both the lives of at-risk young people and public safety over the long term.”
Summary of changes
- New targeted warrant and additional search powers to find and seize weapons from gang members during a gang conflict
- Expanding the range of offences where police can seize and impound cars, motorbikes and other vehicles
- Up to five years prison for a new offence of discharging a gun with intent to intimidate
- Police and other enforcement agencies able to seize cash over $10,000 when found in suspicious circumstances
- Watches, jewellery, precious metals and stones, motor vehicles and boats added to list of high value goods prohibited for sale for cash over a specified value
- Work underway to strengthen sector-wide approach to address youth crime and reduce offending
and they promise whatever laws they pass will never ever be used against anyone but the gangs….yeah right.
I can see it now, a group of people protest the govt. for any reason and they will just call you a gang so that these laws will be usable.
Yep. You are 110% correct. There were laws against “organised criminal organisations” long before Dipkins opened his gap and put his foot in it yet again.
And they Promise they won’t use the laws they bring in against anyone but criminals…..they will, they will just re-define what a criminal is, protest the corrupt govt, Oh you must be a criminal.
Yeah while turning a blind eye at their own criminal behaviour. Treason, lies, murder, corruption, bribes you name it they do it.
Rules for thee and all…..
I guess the bribe money with the Mongrel Mob and the reason for it doesn’t count either…..
Governments love the power to search and seize property,sure gangs today but how long before they move on to the rest of us The war on cash hidden under crime fighting but we all know where this is heading.
Organised crime is exactly what government is,going around intimidating people into doing what they want,taxation is a protection racket
This is a perfect cover story for the government to pass new laws to support their rules based world order. When they go on to land grab the farmers property these laws will come into play and they will not have the right to defend themselves or their property, so bloody transparent are their bogus rules. I see that Australia is cautious about foot and mouth coming to their shores???? nz already has had a trial run for m bovis but nobody will ever see the test results should it reappear the government will say so and nec minute the stock are slaughtered. Remember this is global what happens in other nations will certainly come to our shores. Good try hipkins but we can see right through you I bet that’s why you got special training recently for your police gang. Stop pretending like you care about anything other than your goal of rules and control I hope you haven’t underestimated the pushback and resistance that’s coming.
“Police have asked for legislative changes and you have listened “ Maybe you should spread those big ears of yours around. Little could use some help, maybe with your lugs he will be able to hear the cries of a stressed health system but only if if fits your plan and narrative of course.????
Great to see from comments, that some people in NZ see right thru the regime’s narrative.
$562 million for law and order while the newly created propaganda machinery also got similatr amount and additional capital investmnet funding. Shows the importance placed by jabcinda on the media mercenary tasks.